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CVEC warns customers of phone scammers

Jan 29, 2013 (The News & Advance - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) --
The Central Virginia Electric Cooperative is warning its members of a possible scam in the area.

A few residents told the cooperative they were contacted by a person who called, saying he represented the cooperative and they needed to pay a delinquent amount owed on their account or their service would be disconnected. The caller then tried to sell them a Green Dot Card to pay the past due balance.

If members are delinquent, they will first recieve a written notice on their next electric bill, followed by a computer-generated call from the cooperative if the member's number is on file, directing the members to call the cooperative. During the call they will be told their account is past due and could be disconnected. No third party has access to the cooperative's account information nor is authorized to speak on behalf of the cooperative to its members, according to a news release from the cooperative.

Members are encouraged to hang up if they receive one of these calls offering a Green Dot Card. Any purchase of the card will not be applied to the members' electricity bills.

"We want our members to be aware that scammers have reportedly contacted a few of our members in the last couple of days and the remainder should be aware and alert to this scam," said Greg Kelly, the member services manager for the cooperative.

If members have any questions about their account, they should call the Co-op for more information (800-367-2832).